Brooklyn-based Ciao Malz (Malia DelaCruz) releases her debut EP, ‘Safe Then Sorry’, via Audio Antihero on 6 December
There’s a woozy alt-rock sound to the opening ‘Two Feet Tall’. Bringing back memories of Best Coast or Frankie Cosmos, this breezy piece finds Malia talking about how she’s ‘always reaching’ and how ‘I’ve been meaning to call your bluff but can never quite tell you stuff’ before moving into a more orchestral, chamber pop space.
‘Bad for the Bad Guy’ has Slow Pulp-esque anti-folk vibes as Malia talks about feeling bad for someone who doesn’t deserve sympathy, while ‘Take Me Out of Here’ is an indie-pop gem with call-and-response vocals. The backing is distorted, offering a glimpse into a fragile state of mind: ‘I’ll scream to the heavens as I watch it disappear’.
‘Gold Rush’ rounds off the EP with more refined, restrained and reflective melodies. Think Elliott Smith fronting Beach House and you’re halfway there. ‘Safe Then Sorry’ is collection of four poignant songs you’ll want to curl up in.